We dig democracy! OppNotts looks at voting & Primary Parliament

Gareth Morgan All, Opp Notts

You’ve probably seen on the news or elsewhere that there’s a general election happening in a few weeks’ time. This is the biggest election in the UK. It’s about picking a new government and must happen at least once every five years. Everyone in the UK who is registered to vote (the deadline for registering it today – 22nd May – so make sure your parents and carers are registered!) can have a say in choosing the next government. One Member of Parliament (MP) is elected from each of the UK’s 650 parliamentary constituencies.

Each registered voter gets one ballot paper. They mark it with a cross next to the name of their chosen candidate. The candidate who gets more votes than any other becomes an MP. This is called first past the post. When the MPs have been chosen, the leader of the largest group (political party) gets asked to form a government.

We have something similar for you too in Nottingham: Primary Parliament – where 4 delegates from each primary school come together in the Council House in the Old Market Square to work together, take part in workshops and discuss ideas to make Nottingham better for you, both in school and out. Then the ideas that are dreamed up by the brilliant school representatives are taken up into the council chamber in the top of the Council House and voted on you! No grown-ups get a vote, this is about hearing your voice! These votes are led by people who have the power to make a difference like city officials Councillor Mellen (pictured – who is standing to be an MP!) and Councillor Webster.

Want to take part in Primary Parliament? Get in touch – it’s free!

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Get out for the classroom on Thursday with Outdoor Classroom Day

Gareth Morgan All, Opp Notts

Who likes lessons when they happen outside? Answer: most of us! Learning outdoors creates lasting memories, helps us build a greater awareness of the environment, provides more opportunities to think independently, and gets us engaged in feeling challenged and excited by learning. We are more active when they play outdoors, burning off calories and keeping fitter.

This Thursday, 18th May, our aim is to get as many children as possible learning and playing outside in 2017. For some schools, this will be an opportunity to try learning outside the classroom for the first time. For outdoor learning pros, the day will be a celebration of what they are doing already and a chance to inspire other schools to get involved. For everyone, Outdoor Classroom Day will show how easy and amazing it is to spend time outdoors every day. To find out how you can get out there with Outdoor Classroom Day, click here.

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What’s the story with National Share-A-Story Month?

Gareth Morgan All, Opp Notts

May is National Share-A-Story Month! It’s an annual celebration of the power of storytelling and story sharing, providing a fantastic opportunity for you to share your favourite books and stories by telling and reading together.

Why not visit your local library and discover the treasure trove of books, magazines and activities they have to offer. Your library card is your ticket to all of them and a great tool for life. You can get all sorts of books out whenever you like (as long as you bring them back when you’re done!). Find your local library and what it has to offer here!

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